Guide to Westchester
Top Guide to Westchester
History, food, things to do, schools, community, and real estate in Westchester
You may have heard of Coconut Grove, Coral Gables, and even Kendall, but you probably haven't heard of Westchester, one of Miami-Dade County’s greatest secrets.
Westchester isn’t technically an incorporated city. It’s a census-designated place, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t a great place to live. In fact, Westchester is well-known across Miami-Dade County as one of the area’s most interesting and culturally diverse places.
With over 80% of Westchester’s population being Hispanic, you can expect that the food scene in Westchester is one of the best. Think, some of the most authentic Cuban, Colombian, Chilean, Salvadoran, and Mexican restaurants that you can find in Miami...oh, but don’t forget dim sum. Surprisingly enough, Westchester is also known for its Chinese food.
Aside from great food, Westchester is also a cultural hotspot. One of Miami’s greatest singers hails from Westchester. And the area boasts one of Miami’s burgeoning art scenes along with the most popular holiday attraction in Miami. Plus, Westchester also has Florida International University, one of the largest universities in the United States.
Today, more than 30,000 people live in Westchester’s four square miles. And while Westchester is a laid-back area, it’s sure to never be boring. In fact, the Miami Herald named Westchester as one of Miami’s best neighborhoods for its many things to do—I’m talking beer, bowling, amazing parks, cool shops, and most important of all street pachangas.
And if that’s not enough consider Westchester’s location. Westchester is close enough to the party scene of Miami and South Beach to make a night out on the town or a trip to the beach easy. However, it’s far enough away to avoid overpriced housing and spring breakers. And, it's only eight miles from the Miami International Airport and 34 miles from the Fort Lauderdale Airport. So, travel is convenient yet you don’t have to deal with hearing airplanes every other hour.
Overall, Westchester is a great community to live in. With a vibrant culture, fantastic food, plenty of things to do, and affordable housing, it’s surprising that Westchester isn’t overcrowded yet. To find your new home in Westchester before it’s late, contact the best Westchester realtors, the AV Home Experts with Keller Williams Realty.
History of Westchester
How to become Mr.305, move to Westchester
Westchester may not be an incorporated city, but its start is pretty much the same as any other area in the Miami-Dade or Broward counties.
During the 1800s, Westchester and much of the rest of South Florida were considered uninhabitable under the 1862 Homestead Act due to the area’s high water tables and its propensity to flood. However, all of that changed soon after when Florida’s canals were constructed. The canals diverted water from seasonal rains and floods so that the land was eventually dry enough to start developing.
By the 1920s, South Florida had its big land boom, and by 1924 the Westchester area had its first development with the Olympic Heights subdivision. Throughout the 1930s and 1940s, the Westchester area remained largely rural. However, it did undergo two important developments— the Tropical Park horse racetrack and the Tamiami airport— that would eventually spur progress in the 1950s.
Following post-WWII development, Westchester saw the first subdivision with its namesake in 1955. Soon after, more residential developments clustered around the Westchester subdivision. Then came commercial developments like the infamous Bird Bowl, built in 1956, and the Westchester Shopping Center, built in 1959.
In 1965, Westchester grew even more when Florida Senator Robert M. Haverfield proposed Senate Bill 711. This bill suggested a state university be built, and it was. Today, we now know that university as Florida International University, FIU. From there, Westchester also became a place for students to live, study, and of course party.
When Westchester experienced its first big boom in the 1950s, it was mainly composed of Jewish families. You can still see their influence on the area from the whale church and the various Kosher food markets in Westchester. But in the 1960s, more Hispanic families started to move to the Westchester area. And today, Westchester is largely a Hispanic community with over 90% of its population identifying as Hispanic or Latinx.
Westchester is known for its pan-Hispanic fare, and the neighborhood’s popular restaurants feature Cuban, Colombian, Salvadoran, Chilean, and Mexican cuisines. Another one of Westchester’s claims to fame is that Pitbull—Mr. 305, not the dog breed—went to Coral Park Senior High School.
To hear more about Westchester’s real estate and see where Pitbull grew up, contact the best realtors in Westchester, the AV Home Experts with Keller Williams Realty.
Top 5 Best Places to Eat in Westchester
Check out the best restaurants in Westchester. Whether you want Chinese, Cuban, Mexican, Argentinian, Colombian, Chilean, or fine dining, Westchester has all your cravings covered.
Kon Chau Chinese Restaurant
8376 SW 40th St. Miami, Fla. (305)-553-7799
When you think of South Florida cuisine, Cuban sandwiches, pastelitos, and tostones come to mind, not dim sum and lo mein. But Westchester is the one area in Miami to go when you’re craving Chinese. And even though it’s hard to imagine that you’d find good, authentic Chinese food in a city that doesn’t even have a Chinatown, Kon Chau Chinese Restaurant comes through for the task. It’s one of the only places in Miami where you can get roast Peking duck, beef honeycomb (otherwise known as cow stomach), and chicken feet. Kon Chau is an unassuming, hole-in-the-wall, but don’t let its outside appearance fool you. The food is out of this world. And even if chicken feet and cow stomachs aren’t your things, Kon Chau has something for you too. Go for the chicken lo mein or roast pork fried rice for a less adventurous take on Chinese food, and make sure you order a quart of the jasmine tea to take home.
La Carreta
8650 SW 40th St. Miami, Fla. (305)-553-8383
Eighty percent of Westchester’s population is Hispanic, so it’s no surprise that Westchester has its share of amazing Cuban restaurants. And while we couldn’t include all of them, we do have to mention La Carreta. Sure, there are multiple La Carreta restaurants in Miami. But, there’s something special about the La Carreta in Westchester. It is the place to go for any major event. The Miami Heat wins, La Carreta. Curfew lifted, La Carreta. Pitbull comes to town, La Carreta. The La Carreta in Westchester is more than just your standard Cuban restaurant, it's a hallmark of the Westchester community. Serving classic Cuban food that even abuela would approve of while functioning as the town square of Westchester, La Carreta is the place to go for an experience that’s uniquely Miami.
Graziano’s
9227 Bird Road Miami, Fla, (305)-225-0008
If you’re looking for somewhere a little fancier, somewhere to impress your out-of-town in-laws, then go to Graziano’s. It’s the best place to go in Westchester for a good steak, a great steak. Serving the freshest cuts of locally sourced beef that have been perfectly seasoned and then grilled on a real wood-fire grill, Graziano’s puts your local steakhouse to shame. But Graziano’s more than just a place for a good meal. You see the thing that makes Graziano’s so great is that the attitude and the atmosphere of the restaurant are so distinctly Argentinian. It’s the place where you start out with a glass of wine but ultimately end up ordering the bottle. It’s the place where you unbutton your pants and order dessert because life’s short. It’s the place that you’re making a reservation for right now.
El Palacio de Los Jugos
9095 SW 40th St. Miami, Fla. (305)-553-6553
So you grew up in Miami, huh? Well, you really can’t say that you’re from Miami or have ever lived here if you haven’t been to El Palacio de Los Jugos. Serving classic Cuban cuisine that’s better than your abuela’s —sorry, not sorry, but it’s the truth—El Palacio de Los Jugos is the ultimate Cuban cafetería. That’s why it’s been recognized by some of the top food blogs, magazines, and people in the United States. I’m talking Eater, Miami.com, and Bon Appetit, and even the infamous Martha Stewart. To go to El Palacio de Los Jugos to have a gastronomic, cultural, and linguistic experience all wrapped up into one. While sipping your batido de mamey and snacking on chicharones and tequenos, you might see old Cuban men arguing and wondering why you can’t understand them even though you took Spanish all through college. But, that’s just El Palacio de Los Jugos for you: simple, authentic, good, and definitely Miami.
Pamela’s Restaurante Chileno
8469 SW 40th St. Miami, Fla. (305)-225-6365
Oftentimes, Chilean cuisine gets forgotten in Miami. And that’s nearly a crime because you’re depriving yourself of some of the best seafood you’ve ever had. With nearly 4,000 miles of coastline, if there’s anything Chile knows how to do, it’s seafood. And if you’re going to have Chilean cuisine in Miami, the place to go is Pamela’s Restaurante Chileno. Pamela’s is a lowkey authentic, Chilean restaurant that’s perfect for date night. It has a great selection of wine, and the food might inspire you to sell all your belongings and become a fisherman in Chile—yes, it is that good. When you go to Pamela’s, start out with the erizos y machas en salsa verde, sea urchin that’s served in a to-die-for onion and cilantro sauce. Then for an entree, either order the mero con camarones a la mostaza, fresh Grouper with shrimp that’s served in a delectable mustard-based sauce, or the chupe de locos, abalone casserole—after all, abalone is a Chilean specialty.
Other Places To Eat:
There are so many great places to eat in Westchester that we had a hard time narrowing it down. To see more great places to dine, kickback at, and have a drink at, read the Burger Beast’s guide to Westchester or the Miami Herald’s article on Westchester.
The Top 5 Things to Do in Westchester
Check out the best things to do in Westchester. Whether you want to thrifting, go to the zoo, or travel back to your childhood, Westchester has something for you.
Tropical Park
7900 SW 40th St. Miami, Fla. (305)-226-8315
If you’re looking to go on a run, walk, ride your bike, fish, paddle boat, box, ride horses, shop at the farmers market, play soccer, or do any other sport, then head on over to Tropical Park. With 275 acres of green space, Tropical Park is the park to go to. It has several well-groomed running and biking trails, and it’s one of the only places in Miami with hills—beach body, here we come. Plus, Tropical Park has a variety of other features like an official track, a dog park, a boxing center, an equestrian center, and four lakes. And if that wasn’t enough, Tropical Park also hosts a farmers market every Saturday. However, be sure to check the park’s COVID-19 guidelines if you plan on visiting.
Bird Bowl
9275 SW 40th St, Miami, Fla. (305)-221-1221
If you think Bird Bowl is your regular neighborhood bowling alley, you’re wrong. Bird Bowl is so much more. Bowling, your favorite childhood arcade games, and billiards served with burgers, fries, and happy hour. It’s like you’re a kid again, but better because this time there’s beer involved. Come with friends, family, your local barista, that weird guy from work, or even by yourself. Who you bring doesn’t really matter because at Bird Bowl you’re bound to have a good time that lasts until 2 a.m.
Bird Road Art District
4221 SW 75th Ave. Miami, Fla. (305)-467-6819
Why trek all the way to Wynwood when the Bird Road art district is right in your backyard? Okay, well maybe Wynwood is on a different level, but that doesn’t mean that the Bird Road Art District isn’t worth visiting. Located just a couple blocks out of the official Westchester area, the Bird Road Art District is a group of hidden, industrial art studios that showcase the work of Miami’s most talented local artists. Every third Saturday of the month from 7-10 p.m., artists open their doors and invite art enthusiasts and amateurs alike to see their works. Imagine walking along railroad tracks, wandering in and out of warehouses, seeing the works of Miami’s underground artists. And even if that hasn’t convinced you, still go because I promise you’ll get amazing street cred from all your hipster friends. I mean, Wynwood is a little mainstream, after all.
Santa’s Enchanted Forest
7900 SW 40th St. Miami, Fla. (305)-559-9689
As you might’ve guessed from its name Santa’s Enchanted Forest is more of a seasonal activity, but once November rolls around, it’s game time. You may think Santa’s Enchanted Forest is a romantic park to walk around and look at Christmas lights, living out your perfect “Love, actually” rom-com moment, but it’s not. When you come to Santa’s Enchanted Forest, you better be prepared because it’s an all-out roller coaster, holiday fun, deep-fried extravaganza that’s something out of an introvert’s worst nightmare. But, if you can handle it, it’s the time of your life. Read the Miami Herald’s guide to surviving Santa’s Enchanted Forest, so you’re ready as soon as Home Depot puts out its Christmas trees.
Go on a treasure hunt
6842 SW 40th St. Miami Fla. (305)-661-4222
You may be able to find treasure from a wrecked ship in the Keys, but you won’t find a 1950s ceramic bunny lamp. No, you have to go to the ultimate treasure trove to find that one, the Goodwill on Bird Road. For thrifters and non-thrifters alike, the Goodwill on Bird Road is like diving into the lost and found at the MIA airport, it’s a journey into the unknown. It’s a spiritual experience where you’ll find everything you never knew you needed from a faded 1980s windbreaker to Chick-Fil-A’s corporate guidebook on spirituality—yes, it’s a thing.
Other things to do:
One of the great things about Westchester is that it’s close to a lot of other great cities and parks. South Beach isn’t too far away, and Downtown is only a short drive up US1. To find out more information about other cities, towns, and things to do in Broward County and Miami-Dade County, check out these other city profiles.
The Best Schools in Westchester
Even though Westchester is an unincorporated community, you can still find a great place for your child’s education. However, it can be a hassle. That’s why we did the work for you. We did the research and found the best schools in Westchester from the compiled ratings and inputs of compiled ratings of greatschools.org, niche.com, and the Florida Department of Education’s school accountability report.
Westchester isn’t a defined city, so it doesn’t have defined boundaries for schools. However, the schools that serve the Westchester area are schools that operate within these listed zip codes: 33144, 33174, 33165, and 33155. However, not all of these zip codes are equally spaced throughout the Westchester area.
The 33165 and 33155 zip codes make up the bulk of Westchester’s land area, so they’re the best areas to look for schools in Westchester. However, depending on the part of Westchester you live in, it may be better to look for schools in one of the other zip codes or just outside the bounds of Westchester. We looked through each zip code to find the best schools that are in Westchester or just outside of its boundaries.
To discover other schools in different zip codes throughout Westchester. Check out this zip code map, and then go to greatschools.org, type in your desired zip code, and search through the results.
The school network in the Westchester area consists primarily of Miami-Dade County public district schools, a series of Miami-Dade County public charter schools, and a few private schools. All schools listed are Miami-Dade County public schools.
The Best Elementary Schools in Westchester
The top recommended elementary schools in Westchester are Emerson Elementary School, Pinecrest Cove Academy K-8, and Royal Palm Elementary School. Emerson Elementary is located in the 33155 zip code, and the other two elementary schools are located in the 33165 zip code.
Greatschools.org rates all of these elementary schools a 10/10, and they all also receive an “A” from the FDOE’s school accountability report. You literally can’t have better options for your child’s education.
When it comes to standardized testing, all of these schools exceeded the state standards in every subject, and they all score around the same range. Emerson Elementary scored an 85% proficiency in math, a 78% proficiency in English, and a 64% proficiency in science. Pinecrest Cove Academy K-8 scored an 86% proficiency in math, an 84% proficiency in English, and a 64% proficiency in science, and Royal Palm Elementary scored a 78% proficiency in math, a 76% proficiency in English, and an 85% proficiency in science.
All of these schools also receive mixed parent testimony and reviews, so it’s best to go to greatschools.org to read them for yourself.
However, one Emerson Elementary parent did say, “Everyone in this school is extremely helpful. From the lady who receives the students in the cafeteria to the principal who is in front of the school greeting students in the morning. The teachers communicate with parents through apps, so if you have any questions, they are available. I'm quite happy with my daughter's progress.”
Note that while these schools do seem extremely similar, there are differences within them that may determine which one is the best fit for your child. For example, Pinecrest Cove Academy K-8 is a part of Miami-Dade County’s public charter system, so students must apply and be selected to attend. Whereas, the other schools are a part of Miami-Dade County’s public district system. No application is needed for these schools. In addition, Pinecrest Cove Academy contains grades K-8, so its testing information listed on greatschools.org is the combined information for its elementary and middle school components.
To find out more about these schools and read additional parent testimonials, go to greatschools.org or check out the individual school’s websites. Visiting the schools may also help you determine which is best for your child. Also, remember if you’re unsatisfied with any of these options for elementary school, you can always explore other options in nearby areas like Coral Gables.
The Best Middle Schools in Westchester
Moving onto middle schools, the top-recommended middle schools in Westchester are Pinecrest Cove Academy K-8 and Cypress K-8 Center. Both are located in the 33165 zip code.
Note that we would recommend Blue Lakes Elementary School PK-9 because greatschools.org rates it an 8/10, and it is in the Westchester area. However, there is conflicting information on its site, greatschools.org, Instagram page, and the Miami-Dade County public school system website, and we don’t want to recommend a school that we can’t fact check 100%. So, if you’re interested in this school, it may be best to call the number listed on the Miami-Dade County public school system website or check it out for yourself.
Greatschools.org rates Pinecrest Cove Academy K-8 a 10/10 and Cypress K-8 Center an 8/10. Both of these schools also receive an “A” from the FDOE’s school accountability report.
In terms of academic performance, Pinecrest Cove Academy K-8 outscores Cypress K-8 Center. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the testing data for both of these schools is the combined data set from each school’s elementary and middle school components. Still, Pinecrest Cove Academy K-8 scored an 86% proficiency in math, an 84% proficiency in English, and a 64% proficiency in science while Cypress K-8 Center scored a 67% proficiency in math, a 65% proficiency in English, and a 61% proficiency in science. Note that both of these schools exceed the state standard in every subject for standardized testing.
Both of these schools also receive mixed reviews from parents, but in general, most of the testimony and remarks about both of these schools are positive.
One Cypress K-8 Center parent said, “My children attend the school. The teachers are very dedicated to the success of their students. Most parents are very involved in school activities.”
In addition, keep in mind that Pinecrest Cove Academy K-8 is a part of Miami-Dade County’s public charter system, so students must apply and be selected to attend. Meanwhile, Cypress K-8 Center is a part of Miami-Dade County’s public district system, so students need not apply to attend.
To find more information about these schools, check out their individual website and read more parent testimony on greatschools.org. Remember, if you’re unsatisfied with any of these options for your child's middle school education, you can always explore other options in nearby areas like Coral Gables.
The Best High Schools in Westchester
Even though Pitbull did go to Coral Park Senior High School, we don’t necessarily recommend it for your child’s education. In fact, we don’t recommend any of the high schools located in Westchester. However, fear not because we do recommend the International Studies Preparatory Academy in Coral Gables and the Terra Environmental Research Institution in Kendall. Both schools aren’t too far from Westchester.
Greatschools.org rates the International Studies Preparatory Academy a 9/10 and the Terra Environmental Research Institution a 10/10. Plus, both schools receive an “A” from the FDOE’s school accountability report.
In terms of academic performance, both schools do extremely well, exceeding the state standard in every subject. However, Terra Environmental Research Institution does outperform the International Studies Preparatory Academy. Terra Environmental Research Institution scored a 97% proficiency in geometry, a 94% proficiency in English, and a 97% proficiency in biology while the International Studies Preparatory Academy scored a 94% proficiency in geometry, a 91% proficiency in U.S. History, and a 77% proficiency in biology. Note that the testing data for these schools differ slightly in the subjects measured.
Both of these schools have also earned the College Success Award for their efforts in preparing students for college and later careers in 2019 and 2020.
Aside from standardized testing and awards, both of these schools are great options and are sure to challenge your child academically. However, there are slight differences that may help you determine which one is the best fit for your child. Note that while both of these schools are a part of the Miami-Dade County Public School System, students must apply and be selected to attend.
The Terra Environmental Research Institution is a unique school in the Miami-Dade County public school system. It is a magnet school that specializes in STEM education, focusing on the fields of biomedical research, engineering and robotics, and environmental studies. It caters to grades 9-12 and also has a wide variety of AP courses, from AP Art History to AP Computer Science. The Terra Environmental Research Institution is great for students who would like to pursue a STEM career. This school allows students hands-on experience in a variety of STEM fields to help them determine future career paths.
The International Studies Preparatory Academy is also an academically rigorous magnet school in the Miami-Dade public school system. But while the Terra Environmental Research Institution focuses on STEM education, the International Studies Preparatory Academy focuses on a curriculum that includes international language education. Students who attend have the choice to choose a track that focuses on one of the three languages the school offers: Spanish, French, or Italian. Students are also expected to take one of the many AP courses that the school offers, and they can choose to participate in the school’s dual enrollment programs with Miami-Dade College or FIU. In general, the International Studies Preparatory is a great school for any student looking to challenge themselves and prepare for further education at a four-year university.
In terms of parent testimony, both schools receive mixed reviews, so it’s worth going to greatschools.org to read them for yourself.
However, one International Studies Preparatory Academy parent did say, “We like ISPA a lot. I don't understand those bad reviews. And most of the time, when people are not happy they write, when they are happy they don't say anything!!! Most of the students I know at ISPA (and I know many) are very happy there. Many are doing dual enrollment with Miami Dade College or FIU, like my daughter in 9th grade.”
It’s obvious that both of these schools have a high level of commitment to academic excellence. However, to find out more information about each of these schools, go to their websites and read about them more in-depth on greatschools.org.
For more information about each of these schools’ COVID-19 protocols, check out the Miami-Dade County public school website. And to see the criteria for Florida Department of Education ratings, go to their website. Note that all quotes listed above come from parent reviews at greatschools.org.
Community in Westchester
Get Involved in Westchester
One of the best ways to get acquainted with a community is to get involved and volunteer. To get more involved with the Westchester community and the Westchester area, check out some local volunteer opportunities.
To start, go to Miami-Dade County’s website to see how you can help maintain various parks in Westchester. Volunteer with Engage 305 to foster a grandparent, help feed the homeless, or work with Habitat for Humanity. Also, Volunteermatch.org is another great resource to stay updated on new and upcoming volunteer opportunities in Westchester even in the midst of COVID-19.
Westchester Real Estate
Find the best Westchester Realtor near you
If you can see yourself at La Carreta celebrating the next soccer game or waiting for Mr.305 to finally come home, then Westchester may be for you. Imagine living somewhere that has some of the most authentic pan-Hispanic cuisines and then running off that cuisine at one of the coolest parks in Miami-Dade County. If you want to know more about the Westchester area, or you've already sold, contact the best realtors in Westchester, the AV Home Experts with Keller Williams Realty. They’re the foremost experts in the area, and you can reach them at (305)-680-3268.
